Purpose: :
To investigate the associations between retinal hemodynamics,systemic markers of endothelial function and inflammation andglucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes with non-proliferativediabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

Results: :
Diameter, velocity and flow were the same across the groups.However, max:min velocity ratio was elevated in the moderate-to-severeNPDR group (0.49 vs. 0.60, p=0.042). Max:min velocity ratiowas correlated with age (r=0.425, p=0.039) and showed a marginalcorrelation with vWF (r=0.371, p=0.10). A marginal correlationbetween blood velocity and HS C-reactive protein (r=-0.395,p=0.095) was identified. The was a strong correlation betweenE-selectin and A1c (r=0.477, p=0.029). Not surprisingly, therewere strong correlations between the measures of retinal hemodynamicparameters (r>0.41, p<0.05) and also between the endothelialfunction parameters (r>0.48, p<0.03).

Conclusions: :
A reduction in the compliance (i.e. increased rigidity) of thearteriolar circulation with increase in severity of NPDR frommild-to-moderate to moderate-to-severe was found. A strong associationbetween long-term glucose control and endothelial function wasrevealed. Markers of endothelial function and inflammation showedmarginal associations with retinal hemodynamics in patientswith NPDR.